Garni joined Suffolk University in 1969 as an assistant professor of Psychological Services and became the director of the Suffolk University Counseling Center and chair/professor of the Department of Psychological Services in 1973. The Counseling Center has a staff of five psychologists, three doctoral interns, two consulting psychiatrists, and three graduate fellows.

“It was a very pleasant surprise to be recognized by the organization that has been my primary professional home for over thirty years, as well as by colleagues who have been integral to my career since I started at Suffolk,” said Garni. “It was especially poignant in that the other person recognized was my first mentor as a director and has become a long-standing friend and trusted colleague.” The other honoree at the association's annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minn., was Dr. Doug Lamb, director emeritus of the counseling center at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.

Garni played a key role as the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors evolved over a period of more than 25 years. He has served as president of the Association, co-hosted two of its national conferences and has served as a mentor to many of its members. He also has served as chair of the board of accreditation and president of the International Association of Counseling Services.

His regard for high standards, support for fellow counseling center directors and self-effacing modesty were cited by the many colleagues from across the nation who supported his nomination for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am gratified to be recognized for the things I have accomplished over the years, but I am very aware that the acknowledgement should be shared with many, including my family, colleagues in the Counseling Center, and with the administration of the University, which always has been very supportive of our efforts to provide quality counseling services to members of the Suffolk community,” said Garni.

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Garni received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Amherst College; Master of Education and Doctor of Education Degrees in Counselor Education from Boston University; and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Harvard University School of Education. A licensed psychologist, Garni has published dozens of articles in professional journals and has presented papers and workshops for professional associations throughout the United States. He also has served as a mental health consultant to numerous federal and state social service and welfare agencies.